Former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Bella Belen continues to elevate her status as one of the brightest rising stars in Philippine volleyball, further strengthening her growing reputation as the sport’s next major cornerstone.
Now starring for the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), Belen capped off an impressive campaign by being named Rookie of the Year, a recognition that underscores her immediate impact at the professional level after a decorated collegiate career. The award will be formally presented during the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night on Saturday, May 30, at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City.
Belen dominated the voting process, collecting 69 media votes and 26 team votes, along with 91.284 statistical points for a total of 186.284 points. Her all-around brilliance placed her well ahead of her fellow 2025 PVL Draft classmates, including AC Miner (85 points), Jean Asis (83.89), and Riza Nogales (64.47), in a decisive win that highlighted her immediate rise as a professional force.
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Beyond her Rookie of the Year recognition, Belen also secured a spot in the league’s elite Mythical Team and was named Best Outside Spiker, further cementing her status as one of the most complete young players in the league today.
SOLAR POWERED ROOKIE
The sun burns bright for the future of the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL thanks to the invaluable impact of Bella Belen. She is named Rookie of the Year at the Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night.#PVLPCAwards #PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/Kv0yj4czSQ
— PVL Press Corps (@PVLPressCorps) May 24, 2026
Her performance throughout the season reflected both offensive firepower and defensive consistency. Belen finished third overall in the PVL scoring charts during the preliminary round with 218 total points, posting a 35.16% spiking success rate. She also proved her versatility on the defensive end, finishing second overall in reception with an impressive 40.84% efficiency rating, showcasing her ability to contribute in all phases of the game.
The recognition places Belen among an elite group of PVL standouts honored for their performances throughout the season. Other major awardees include Savannah Davison of the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Creamline Cool Smashers veteran Pangs Panaga, both of whom were also recognized as Best Outside Spikers and Best Middle Blocker, respectively.
Cignal Super Spikers playmaker Gel Cayuna was named Best Setter, while PLDT’s defensive anchor Kath Arado took home Best Libero honors. Farm Fresh Foxies standout Trisha Tubu earned Best Opposite Spiker, and PLDT’s Ralf Ricafort was recognized as Coach of the Year for his leadership throughout the campaign.
Creamline Cool Smashers, meanwhile, were named Team of the Year following another dominant season, further solidifying their status as one of the league’s premier dynasties.
Other individual recognitions included Erika Santos of Cignal Super Spikers as Most Improved Player, Kim Kianna Dy of PLDT High Speed Hitters as Comeback Player of the Year, and Alyssa Valdez of Creamline Cool Smashers receiving the Miss Quality Minutes award.
With her latest accolades, Belen’s rapid ascent from collegiate standout to professional star continues to draw attention, as she further establishes herself as one of the key figures expected to shape the future of Philippine volleyball.
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